Shudder Original Series
Series Premiere Date: November 15, 2024

The double-episode premiere of The Creep Tapes plunges us back into the disconcerting world of Mark Duplass’s chilling serial killer. In Mike, the first episode, a familiar formula greets us as Mike, a hopeful videographer, accepts a job to shoot an acting reel for a prospective client. The twist? That “client” turns out to be none other than Duplass’s now-iconic antagonist, bringing with him all the self-deprecating charm and unsettling humor we’ve come to expect. Episode two, Elliot, introduces a shift in tone, as a hapless birdwatcher stumbles into the killer’s orbit, sparking a disturbing game of manipulation.

The Good
The series premiere hits the ground running with Mike, diving into territory fans of the original films will relish. Duplass’s performance anchors the episode, weaving humor, unpredictability, and genuine menace into every interaction. The callbacks to Creep and Creep 2—from Josef’s cinephile tendencies to his darkly comic musings—strike a nostalgic chord while setting a brutal tone. The climax delivers a shocking punch, ensuring audiences won’t underestimate this series’ capacity for horror.

In Elliot, the series ventures into slightly more harrowing emotional terrain. The gentle, unassuming Elliot proves a sharp contrast to his tormentor, heightening the tension and giving Duplass even more room to showcase his character’s manipulative prowess. The second episode suggests a broader exploration of the killer’s impact on different personality types, teasing the psychological depth the series might delve into as it progresses.

The Less Good
While Mike benefits from familiarity, it treads so close to the original Creep that it risks feeling derivative. The reliance on established beats could leave some viewers wanting more innovation in its approach. Meanwhile, Elliot is a more engaging departure but lacks the humor and levity of its predecessor, leaning heavily into discomfort without providing much narrative payoff.

Key Standouts
Duplass once again proves he’s the linchpin of this series. His ability to balance Josef’s disarming charm with an undercurrent of malice remains compelling, ensuring viewers are as entertained as they are unnerved. The visual style—grainy, intimate, and voyeuristic—draws audiences into the killer’s unsettling perspective, reminding us why Creep thrived as a cult favorite.

---

The Prognosis:

The premiere of The Creep Tapes captures the essence of what made the original films so effective: a low-budget, character-driven approach to horror that feels personal and claustrophobic. While Mike sticks closely to the formula, Elliot hints at darker, more introspective possibilities. Together, these episodes lay a solid foundation for a series that promises to unsettle and entertain in equal measure.

• Saul Muerte

The Creep Tapes Series are currently streaming Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+